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10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

Feb 10, 2016 13:02 IST
Yoga is soothing, uplifting, challenging and of course, healing. Some will tell you that yoga is too slow and boring instead it is an intense and holistic exercise. This ancient form of fitness with roots in India focuses on developing balance, strength and flexibility.

Don't let anyone misguide you as these are all consequences of practicing yoga and not prerequisites. No one expects you to master the poses on the very first day. Yoga is all about pushing past your body's limits over time.

We share with you ten simplest and super easy poses that are good enough for you to begin with.
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  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

    This pose teaches one to stand with majestic steadiness like a mountain. The word ?Tada' means a mountain, that's where the name comes from. It involves the major groups of muscles and improves focus and concentration. It is the starting position for all the other poses.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)

    This pose gives you a sense of grounding. It improves your balance and strengthens your legs and back. It replicates the steady stance of a tree. Place your right foot high up on your left thigh. The sole of the foot should be flat and placed firmly. Keep your left leg straight and find your balance. While inhaling, raise your arms over your head and bring your palms together. Ensure that your spine is straight and take a few deep breaths. Slowly exhale, bring your hands down and release your right leg. Back in the standing position repeat the same with the other leg.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Adho Mukho Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

    This pose stretches hamstrings, chest and lengthens the spine, providing additional blood flow to the head. It is will leave you feeling energized. Sit on your heels, stretch your arms forward on the mat and lower your head. Form a table, like pushing your hands, strengthening your legs and slowly raising your hips. Press your heels down, let your head hand freely and tighten your waist.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

    It stretches the legs and torso, mobilizes the hips and promotes deep breathing, leaving one with enlivening effects. Stand with your feet wide apart. Stretch your right foot out (90 degrees) while keeping the leg closer to the torso. Keep your feet pressed against the ground and balance your weight equally on both feet. Inhale and as you exhale bend your right arm and make it touch the ground while your left arm goes up. Keep your waist straight. Ensure that your body is bent sideways and not forward or backwards. Stretch as much as you can while taking long, deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Kursiasana (Chair Pose)

    An intensely powerful pose, this one strengthens the muscles of the legs and arms. It builds your willpower and has an energizing effect on the body and mind. Stand straight with your feet slightly apart. Stretch your arms but don't bend your elbow. Inhale and bend your knees, pushing your pelvis down like you are sitting on chair. Keep your hands parallel to the ground and back straight. Take deep breaths. Bend gradually but make sure your knees don't go beyond your toes.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Naukasana (Boat Pose)

    It tightens the abdominal muscles and strengthens shoulders and upper back. It leaves the practitioner with a sense of stability. Lie back on the mat with your feet together and hands by your side. Take a deep breath and while exhaling gently lift your chest and feet off the ground. Stretch your hands in the direction of your feet. Your eyes, fingers and toes should be in one line. Hold till you feel some tension in your navel area as your abdominal muscles begin to contract. As you exhale, come back to the ground and relax.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Bhujangasana(Cobra Pose)

    This one will strengthen the lower back muscles while cushioning the spine, triceps and opens the chest to promote the inhalations. It also makes the spine flexible.

    Lie on your stomach with your feet together and toes flat. Place your hands downwards below your shoulders on the mat, lift your waist and raise your head while inhaling in. Pull your torso back with the support of your hands. Keep your elbows straight and make sure you put equal pressure on both palms. Tilt your head back and make sure your shoulders are away from your ears. Exhale while coming back to the ground.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Paschimottanasana

    This asana helps in improving the flexibilty of the hamstrings and hips and lengthens the spine. Sit up with your back straight and toes pointing outwards. Breathe in and raise your hands over your head and stretch. Now, while breathing out bring your hands down and bend then forward to touch your legs. Place your hands wherever they reach, hold your toes if you can but don't force yourself. Breathe in and elongate your spine. While breathing out, keep your navel close to your knees.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Child's Pose

    This restful posture helps let go and surrender. It restores vitality physically, mentally and emotionally. Insert the pose between challenging poses, and practice with closed eyes, listening to the sound of your breath. Bend your knees and sit on your heels. Keep your hips on your heels. Lower your head on the mat and bring your hands forward by your side. Press your thighs against your chest and breathe lightly.
  • 10 Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Sukhasna

    Sukhasna is a comfortable position for pranayama and meditation. It gives the practitioner a centering effect. All the other asnas are done to eventually make the body feel comfortable to be able to sit in this position for meditation. This asna takes the yoga practice beyond its physical dimension and helps you get in touch with your spiritual side. Sit comfortably on the mat with crossed legs (left leg tugged inside the right thigh and right leg tugged inside the left thigh). Keep spine straight. Place your hands on your knees. You can use the Jnana mudra or Chin mudra. Relax your body and breathe gently.
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